Moulded body for improving cultivation conditions for plants

ABSTRACT

A moulded body for improving cultivation conditions for plants, which is suitable inter alia for arrangement in a plant holder. The moulded body has a tapered projection and is arranged in such a way that the projection protrudes into the plant substrate in the plant holder. The projection has elements allowing an exchange of substances between the interior and the surroundings of the projection. This allows the targeted introduction of air, water, nutrients and auxiliary substances into the plant substrate and the root conglomerates. The moulded body has a recess which acts as a water reservoir that is separate from the plant substrate. The moulded body is water-permeable in the upper part and essentially impermeable to water at the bottom, in the tip of the projection.

[0001] The present invention refers to a moulded body for improving thecultivating conditions of plants according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] It is known that the roots of plants in containers of all kinds,particularly in planting pots, mainly develop in the lower border areasand at the bottom of the containers. A dense mat of roots develops ifthe plants are not repotted in time. Later on, the roots will spreadinto the inner area of the root ball, thereby thickening the entire rootball, particularly of quickly growing plants. The following problems arethe result:

[0003] poor and/or irregular distribution of the water or nutrientsolution;

[0004] formation of cracks and channels between the root ball and thewalls of the pot, causing a one-sided water drain and an insufficientwater supply in portions of the root ball;

[0005] quick drying-out of the entire root ball;

[0006] deficiency symptoms of the plants;

[0007] dying plants;

[0008] if the water is poured into a saucer or a cachepot of theplanting container, only the lower portion of the root ball is suppliedwhere the densest root mat is located. If the water remains in thesaucer for a long time, the still intact and healthy roots will start torot. The consequences are damages of the roots and plants that may leadto complete decay.

[0009] Plants having a low water consumption, e.g. indoor plants inshady places, are often watered excessively and thereby virtuallydrowned. Most indoor plants mainly suffer from too frequent watering andtoo short watering intervals, so that the root ball cannot start dryingor dry out. The results are oxygen deficiency and over-acidification ofthe substrate in soil cultures.

[0010] Further problems resulting from the compacting of the root ballunder these conditions are the development of phytotoxic substances,pest infestations and fungous diseases on roots and plants, droppingleaves, decay of plant parts or of the entire plant.

[0011] Especially with potted plants, the planting container is oftentoo small and there is not enough room for the roots of the plant.Normal watering from above results in superficial mudding, thewettability of the plant substrate (soil) decreases, and the water willpreponderantly run down between the planting container and the substratewithout penetrating into the substrate. The results are nutrient andwater deficiency and thus growth depressions, dropping leaves, pestinfestations and diseases due to reduced resistance, and decay of partsor of entire plants.

[0012] Planting containers of all kinds are mostly provided withso-called drainage holes for excess water to flow off, the water havingabsorbed nutrients in most cases. On one hand, this leads to nutrientlosses, and on the other hand, facades and floors are soiled by thedrained unclean water. For a controlled or economical watering, thefollowing systems are known:

[0013] inserts forming reservoirs;

[0014] capillary wicks, mats, fleeces etc.;

[0015] drip watering;

[0016] water containers that are insertable from the top, the portioninserted in the plant substrate being porous to allow the penetration ofwater, and the water supply being stored in a container located abovethis portion or just in the insert itself.

[0017] Remaining drawbacks of these systems are:

[0018] irregular moisture supply;

[0019] deficient or poor aeration of the root ball;

[0020] choking and/or mudding after prolonged use of the capillarysystems (wicks, fleeces, burnt clays [too fine pored]), particularly dueto calciferous water and efflorescence;

[0021] labour-intensive production and complicated application;

[0022] unattractive design;

[0023] demanding logistics;

[0024] unfavorable price-performance ratio.

[0025] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide amoulded body for improving the cultivating conditions of plants thatallows an improved supply of roots, especially by water and/or air, alsoin the case of compacted roots.

[0026] Another object consists in providing a design of the moulded bodythat allows its combination with known plant containers.

[0027] The first mentioned object is attained by the moulded bodiesaccording to claims 1 to 8. The following claims indicate preferredembodiments of which at least one also fulfills the second object.

[0028] One of the main aspects of the invention consists in placing amoulded body in a planting container. The moulded body is provided witha preferably conical projection extending into the interior of theplanting container, i.e. into the plant substrate and thus into the rootball. The apex of the projection and/or its envelope are provided withapertures allowing the penetration of water or air from the interior ofthe moulded body into the plant substrate. At the lower end of theprojection the base is provided, which has essentially the form of aflat portion or plate which extends approximately perpendicularly to theprojection. In the case of a conical projection, the base may e.g. be inthe form of a ring connected to the foot of the projection. On the otherside of the base, e.g. at the rim, a lip is provided, thereby delimitingan area on this side of the base in the manner of a wall and thusdelimiting a depression on this side of the base.

[0029] Hence, in the simplest case, the moulded body resembles asombrero where the rim of the base comprises a downwardly projectingcollar.

[0030] In the alternative embodiment according to claim 8, the wateringeffect near the surface is promoted by the fact that the conicalprojection is almost or entirely water-impermeable near the top, whereasit is water-permeable and/or provided with holes at the lower, widerend. This body is intended for being inserted in the plant substratefrom above with the apex extending downwards, whereby the apex forms awater reservoir while water may exit at the lower end of the projection,i.e. near the surface of the plant substrate.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the moulded body is made from awater-permeable material, e.g. of clay, so that a liquid exchangethrough the material and within the material is possible.

[0032] The conical shape is advantageous in that a moulded body of thiskind can be impressed into the plant substrate with the apex first. Atleast the portion of the moulded body that is to be inserted into theplant substrate is hollow or made of a material that is capable ofabsorbing and conducting liquids, e.g. through the capillary effect.This inner space is still accessible for supplying water after theinsertion of the moulded body.

[0033] The invention shall be further explained by means of exemplaryembodiments and with reference to figures, where

[0034]FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a planting container with amoulded body;

[0035]FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a planting container fitted on amoulded body;

[0036] FIGS. 3 to 12 show different embodiments of the moulded body insectional views;

[0037] FIGS. 13 to 15 show sectional views of moulded bodies intendedfor insertion from above;

[0038]FIG. 16 shows a sectional view of a sieve insert;

[0039]FIG. 17 shows a sectional view of a planting container withmoulded bodies at the bottom and inserted from above;

[0040]FIG. 18 shows a front view of a planting pot with a watering aid;and

[0041]FIG. 19 shows a sectional view of a planting container with anintegrated moulded body.

[0042]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a moulded body 1 according to the invention inthe form of an insert 2 in a planting pot 3 (FIG. 1) and in the form ofa support 5, respectively. In both cases, planting pot 1 is placed in asaucer 7. In FIG. 1, the essentially annular base 9 of the moulded body1 is covered with porous granules 10. Such granular materials are knownper se for planting purposes. The layer of granules is a little higherthan the upper edge of saucer 7. Thus, the non-represented soil with theroot ball contained therein cannot get into direct contact with thewater surface in the planting pot as the maximum level is determined byupper edge 6 of saucer 7. The water exchange with saucer 7 is ensured bydrainage hole 8.

[0043] One characteristic feature is cone 15 extending into the soil. Atthe apex and/or laterally near the apex, it is provided with apertures17. These apertures allow the supply of air and/or water from theinterior of cone 15 to the root ball near the center thereof, but alsothe discharge of excess water.

[0044] Furthermore, the moulded body is made of a porous,water-conducting material. Therefore, water is conducted to the apex bycapillary forces, and an exchange both of water and air is possiblethrough the walls of cone 15 as well as through base 9. Thus, themoulded body also provides a certain storage capacity for water andnutrients.

[0045] A particularly suitable material for moulded body 1 is burnt claythat is as porous as possible.

[0046] Tests have shown that the material of the moulded body becomesimpermeable to water in a relatively short time if the porosity isinsufficient. Besides lime deposits, additives in the water such asnutrients may be deposited. Thus, a sufficient high porosity ensures thefunction of the moulded body for prolonged periods. Methods foradjusting the porosity are known to those skilled in the art.

[0047] The single moulded body 2 is basically suitable also for anattachment to a planting pot 3 from below. Moulded body 5 illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3 comprises an additional annular ridge 19 on thecircumference of base 9, thereby creating an annular trough 20 aroundcone 15. This trough forms a first water reservoir that is directlyaccessible to the roots. Excess water simply flows down along theoutside of cone 9, is collected in trough 20 and may gradually flow backinto pot 3.

[0048] The saucer may also be in the form of a trough disposed insidethe planting pot, the moulded body being placed on top of the trough.

[0049] All in all, the following advantages are obtained:

[0050] increased cultivating safety;

[0051] no rotting in the lower root area;

[0052] no washout of nutrients due to the water and nutrient storageinter alia in water-storing cone 9;

[0053] improved distribution of the roots in the root ball (soil ball)due to the regular water and nutrient distribution, especially throughthe apex of cone 9;

[0054] an additional closure of the drainage holes in the bottom ofplanting pots (e.g. by means of clay pieces) is no longer required;

[0055] improved growth of roots and plants;

[0056] moulded bodies are stackable for storage;

[0057] longer repotting and watering intervals.

[0058] Hereinafter, some advantageous variants and modes of applicationof the moulded body will be given:

[0059] According to FIG. 3, a granular material 21 or another absorbentmaterial may be filled into trough 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the space 26below moulded body 1 also acts as a reservoir. This space allows theinsertion e.g. of a slow-release nutrient capsule, thereby ensuring acontinuous, long-lasting nutrient supply. FIG. 5 shows a third variantwhere an elastic, water-permeable hoop or ring 27, e.g. in the form ofsponge, is provided at the edge of the base and prevents that granulesor soil penetrate into the reservoir underneath the moulded body. At thesame time, excess water is immediately conducted into moulded body 1.

[0060]FIGS. 6 and 7 show embodiments having cones 15 of increasingheight. These extend far into the interior also of tall plantingcontainers where they ensure aeration and water supply. On the otherhand, however, the increasing risk of ruptures of the cone, especiallyat the apex, will be taken into account by an appropriate design andchoice of materials.

[0061] In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, a fleece or watering mat28 is placed on base 9. This is necessary especially for moulded bodiesmade of synthetic material or generally of non-capillary materials toensure the conduction of water from the base to the apex of the cone.According to FIG. 7, base 9 comprises two annular ridges 30. Theseprovide a better support of a planting container fitted on moulded body1 while simultaneously forming a water reservoir 31 that is somewhatsmaller than in FIG. 2.

[0062] In FIG. 8, a water-retaining sponge 33 is inserted in cavity 26.In the embodiment according to FIG. 9, the apex of the cone is providedwith an enlarged opening 35 for the insertion e.g. of a wick 29, of acapillary, absorbent plastics element, or of a sponge (not shown) forthe conduction of water.

[0063] According to FIG. 10, a capillary moulded body 39, e.g. a sponge,may be inserted in the space 38 between base 9 and the wall of plantingcontainer 3 in order to store water and to prevent that soil maypenetrate into the reservoir (the “wet zone”). The capillary body mayalso be placed under the rim of the moulded body. In this case, itprovides a sealing of cavity 26 that results in a slower drainingespecially of water from the plant substrate. Moreover, the capillarybody improves the transporting and storage properties as it protects thelower edge of the moulded body from shocks.

[0064] The moulded body itself is preferably made of highly porous burntclay having a relatively high water conduction, permeability, andstorage capacity. Important parameters regarding the properties of theclay material are the burning duration, the burning method and theburning temperature. The material of the moulded body, particularlyclay, may additionally be mixed with porosity-increasing substances suchas perlite, pumice, wood dust, or sawdust. Also possible are e.g. clayshaving a high cation exchanging capacity such as zeolites, particularlyfor the purpose of storing nutrients and releasing them over prolongedperiods.

[0065] However, the moulded body may also be made of less porous clay asit is currently used for flower pots, or else of synthetic materials.Particularly in the latter case, the moulded bodies must be providedwith apertures for the passage of water and air. Generally, in highlyporous moulded bodies, an additional passage through apertures near theapex of the cone is only required for aeration.

[0066] Especially when plastics materials are used, the upper sideand/or the underside, i.e. essentially the cavity 26 of the base, aswell as the inside of the cone may be provided with a water-conductinglayer in order to ensure the transport of water to the cone and alongthe latter. This may be a glued-on mat, but sprayed-on materials arepossible as well.

[0067] Instead of the cone, projections of other shapes are conceivabletoo. However, a somehow conical shape is preferable for the insertioninto the plant substrate. The conical shape also provides stackabilityand may serve as a handle for the insertion in and the removal fromplanting containers.

[0068]FIG. 11 shows an elongated embodiment 40 that is particularlysuitable for insertion in rectangular planting boxes 42.

[0069] Instead of a separate body, moulded body 40 may also be formed asan integral component of box 42, i.e. the moulded body simultaneouslyconstitutes the bottom of box 42.

[0070]FIG. 12 shows a ninth embodiment 44 with a rectangular base 45 onwhich two cones 47 are formed. This embodiment is intended particularlyfor applications in bonsai planting containers and reduces the highburden of cultivation. At the same time, it provides increased safetywith regard to insufficient or excessive watering, to which especiallybonsai plants are very sensitive.

[0071]FIG. 13 shows a tenth embodiment of a moulded body 46 that isdesigned for being thrust into the plant substrate from above. It isessentially composed of a cone 48 with a collar 49. Cone 48 is almost orperfectly water-impermeable in the area 53 from apex 50 up to about thecenter in order to form a water reservoir. As it is e.g. made of clay, awater-impermeable insert 52, e.g. of plastics material, is inserted inthe lower portion 53. A watertight or water-inhibiting coating is alsopossible. The sealing layer may also cover the entire internal and/orexternal surface of moulded body 46. Preferably, it extends over aminimal height of a quarter of the height of moulded body 46. If it ishigher than e.g. three quarters of the projection, resp. if it extendsover the entire height of the moulded body, the upper area must beprovided with apertures 54 allowing the water exchange. Basically,apertures 54 allow the direct distribution of supplied water that is notcollected in the reservoir in lower portion 53 to the surrounding plantsubstrate. Therefore, in this embodiment, they are useful watering aidsindependently of the material of the moulded body.

[0072] This moulded body may also be made of the conventional burnt clayof relatively low porosity as this material will choke in a relativelyshort time and thus become sufficiently water-impermeable for thepurposes of the invention. The water exchange between the reservoir andthe plant substrate is ensured by the transport of the water in thereservoir to the water-permeable portion by capillary forces (granularfilling 48; capillary wall material). There, the plant substrate,preferably however a capillary granular material 51, is in directcontact with the capillary material constituting the moulded body itselfor contained therein to ensure the water exchange. Therefore, for anoptimum effect, the moulded body 46 is embedded in granules 51.

[0073] As mentioned, it is possible to provide the sealing means on theoutside, whereby the capillary material of moulded body 46 is enabledalso to effect the water transport from the reservoir in the lowerportion 53 to the exchange area in the upper portion 55 (see below, FIG.15). Preferably, in this case, a water-impermeable envelope or layer 62may be provided on the outside in order to prevent the penetration ofwater in the lower area of the moulded body and thus to achieve aprolonged moisturizing effect through the supply of water in the upperarea.

[0074] The moulded body may also consist in its entirety of an almost ortotally water-impermeable material, e.g. of a plastics material. In thiscase, the apertures 54 should be provided or other measures should betaken to ensure a liquid exchange in the upper portion 55. Regular clayor materials of similar fine porosity generally exhibit an insufficientpermeability, which is soon further reduced by silting or by limedeposits.

[0075] Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 14 by an eleventh embodiment, thewater-impermeable lower portion 53 constitutes a reservoir, while in theupper portion 55, the water may pass through apertures 54 (when themoulded body is quite full) and/or through the water-permeable materialof moulded body 46 according to arrows 56. When the water level fallsbelow the limit between the water-permeable and the water-impermeableportions, the water supply is ensured by capillary forces. For thispurpose, moulded body 46 is filled with porous, capillary granules 57.

[0076] The water consumption is thereby reduced, and the water supply ismaintained over a longer period. To sustain the water supply in thisphase, it is possible to provide capillary systems (wick, sponge)extending e.g. from apex 50 through apertures 54.

[0077] This eleventh embodiment comprises a heightened rim 58 to preventthe inflow of surrounding plant substrate during watering. In addition,on the inside, a funnel-moulded sieve insert 59 is provided which,besides preventing the penetration of impurities, also increases thewater storage capacity as it forms an internal space that is free ofgranules.

[0078]FIG. 15 shows a variant in which the entire moulded body consistsof a porous body. The water in the lower area is thus conducted up tothe water-permeable section 55 by the walls of moulded body 46, so thata filling with a capillary material is not necessary. In thisembodiment, it is also conceivable to use a highly porous material suchthat the water may penetrate from the moulded body into the plantsubstrate also in the lower area and, especially if an outer envelope 62is provided, as represented, an improved water transport to the upperarea 55 is ensured. To prevent the entrance of foreign bodies (plantsubstrate, leaves, etc.), a sieve insert 59 is disposed in the openingof the moulded body.

[0079] A noticeable feature is the alternative sieve insert 70, which isillustrated separately in FIG. 16 for more clarity and may be usedinstead of sieve insert 59: it is provided with a central projection 71,thereby forming a circular rim 72. Projection 71 may serve as a handlefor its removal from moulded body 46, and circular rim 72 allows itsplacement on a support. All in all, this shape also allows a significantimprovement of the stackability.

[0080] For a reduced evaporation and a more regular moisture supply,moulded bodies 46 may be filled with clay granules as known forhydroculture, or with other, more particularly water-absorbing,materials.

[0081] All in all, the bodies that are thrust into the plant substratefrom above provide a loosening effect and constitute a watering aid byconducting the supplied water directly into the plant substrate andadditionally storing it temporarily for a sustained supply to thesurrounding soil. Inter alia, this prevents that the supplied waterflows off on the surface, and by flowing down to apex 50 along thesurface of the moulded body, the water is conducted to the interior ofthe plant substrate and of the root ball.

[0082] Amongst others, this arrangement offers the following advantages:

[0083] simplified watering in the case of compacted root balls;

[0084] a more harmonic water distribution;

[0085] additional water storage in the apex of the cone;

[0086] optimum fertilizing effect (also applicable as long-termfertilizer insert)

[0087] additional aeration from above even in the case of a muddedand/or incrusted surface of the plant substrate;

[0088] simple handling;

[0089] advantageous price-performance ratio, simple manufacture;

[0090] improved growth;

[0091] synergies in conjunction with a saucer forming a reservoir andmoulded bodies for watering and aeration from below, particularly one ofthe embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 12;

[0092] substantially invisible.

[0093]FIG. 17 shows a cross-section of a planting container 3 with amoulded body 1 disposed at the bottom of pot 3 and covered with plantsubstrate 60, as well as two moulded bodies 46 inserted from above. Theimproved aeration and water supply result in a more regular growth ofroots 61, particularly also more towards the center of the content ofthe planting container. Planting container 3 rests on a saucer 63, whichin turn is disposed in a cachepot 64.

[0094]FIG. 18 shows a watering aid 76 for use with moulded bodies 46that are inserted from above. It comprises connections 77 for theattachment of moulded bodies 46. Watering aid 76 is made of an elasticmaterial, so that moulded bodies 46 can be placed on the surface of thecontent of the planting container in an arrangement as defined bywatering aid 76. Subsequently, they are successively thrust into thecontent of the container, possibly in several passes. Water is suppliedthrough funnel 78, which is also arranged directly above one of mouldedbodies 46 in this case. At the same time, the supplied water iseffortlessly conducted to the other moulded bodies 46.

[0095] An outdoor application of moulded bodies 46 is also possible,particularly in conjunction with the watering aid.

[0096] For a further improved effect, moulded bodies 46 are surroundedby a layer of capillary granules 51 in order to achieve an improveddistribution of the penetrating water and to additionally counteractsilting.

[0097] Finally, FIG. 19 shows a planting container 3 where the mouldedbody is integrated in the container as a moulded portion 81 in the formof a projection 15. The rounded shape similar to an igloo is dictated,inter alia, by technicalities relating to the manufacture of theplanting container from clay. The bottom of the container is providedwith water drainage holes 83.

[0098] In the represented embodiment, the moulded body of the inventionis reduced to projection 15. It is however conceivable to design themoulded portion e.g. substantially according to one of the exemplaryembodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3 to 11. The height of projection 15 ispreferably equal to ⅕ or ¼ of that of the filling height of the plantingcontainer, and to ½ at the most. In bonsai cultures, where shallowplanting containers are used, the height of the projection(s) will benearer to the upper limit or may even be greater.

[0099] In summary, projection 15, which is preferably approximatelyconical or pyramidal in shape and projects into the root ball from aboveand/or from below, provides a harmonic supply of the roots not only inmoisture but also in nutrients and air both at the surface resp. at thebottom of the container and in its interior. Therefore, the mouldedbodies of the invention are particularly useful for so-called biologicalcultures (biologically highly active substrates having a high oxygendemand) and hyarocultures where the moulded bodies furthermore cover theusual water drainage holes at the bottom of the planting containers andthereby prevent the outgrowth of the roots.

[0100] From the preceding examples, a large number of modifications areaccessible to those skilled in the art without leaving the scope of theinvention as defined in the claims, such as, inter alia:

[0101] Manufacture of the projection or of the entire moulded body fromcapillary rigid expanded plastics, preferably comprising a fine-meshedsuperficial fleece in order to prevent the ingrowth of roots.

[0102] Reinforcement of the apex of the cone with a cap of stainlesssteel or plastics material, thereby allowing to pierce the bottom of aplanting pot of plastics material.

[0103] A surrounding compensating ring (FIG. 10) made of sponge, e.g. ofpolyurethane.

[0104] Use of a flexible moulded piece of polyurethane foam instead of awick extending from the apex of the cone.

[0105] Moulded bodies with incorporated nutrients and additives forproviding a long-lasting supply of these substances.

[0106] A planting container having the moulded body integrated in thebottom, e.g. according to FIG. 19, with more than one integrated mouldedbody (81).

[0107] A moulded body for embedding in the plant substrate having adifferent shape of the projection, e.g. an essentially cylindricaland/or centrally enlarged shape, to form an enlarged reservoir when usedas a watering aid.

[0108] Sieve insert (59) provided with an enlarged rim for covering theedge of the moulded body, thereby preventing moisture supply andevaporation at the upper edge of the moulded body and thus the formationof microflora (algae, etc.), particularly in moulded bodies made ofcapillary materials.

1. Moulded body (1, 40, 44, 46) for improving the cultivating conditionsof plants, comprising at least one projection (15), the projection as awhole being tapered from its foot onwards, thereby allowing the mouldedbody to be disposed, more particularly thrust in or embedded with theprojection first in a plant substrate contained in a planting container,characterized in that at least an effective portion of the projectionconsists of a water-permeable capillary material and/or is provided withapertures and/or with a water-conducting superficial layer, therebyallowing an exchange of substances, such as air and water in particular,with the interior of the plant substrate through the projection in orderto enable an improved aeration and/or water supply and/or fertilizersupply in the interior of the plant substrate and particularly in theroot ball of a plant, in that the projection stands on a base (9; 49),and in that the base (9; 49) comprises, on the side opposite theprojection, a depression communicating with the projection for a liquidexchange, so that the depression acts as a water reservoir and,particularly, is furthermore capable of receiving a water-absorbing orwater-conducting material or a source of nutrients and additives. 2.Moulded body (1, 40, 44, 46) according to claim 1, characterized in thatit is entirely made of a water-permeable material, preferably of clay,and more particularly of a highly porous clay.
 3. Moulded body (1, 40,44, 46) according to claim 2, characterized in that the water-permeablematerial comprises effective amounts of components (15) increasing theporosity and/or capable of storing liquids, more particularly zeolites.4. Moulded body (1, 40, 44, 46) according to one of claims 1 to 3,characterized in that nutrients and/or additives are incorporated in themoulded body in order to provide a long-term supply of such substances.5. Moulded body (1, 40, 44, 46) according to one of claims 1 to 4,characterized in that at least the projection (15) consists of apolymer, water-permeable rigid expanded plastics material.
 6. Mouldedbody (1, 40, 44, 46) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized inthat at least the apex (17, 50) of the projection (15) is covered by acap of a more resistant material, more particularly metal or a syntheticmaterial, thereby allowing thin synthetic materials and the plantsubstrate to be pierced substantially without damaging the projection(15).
 7. Moulded body (1, 40, 44, 46) according to one of claims 1 to 6,characterized in that that the projection (15) is essentially in theshape of a cone.
 8. Moulded body (46) for improving the cultivatingconditions of plants, comprising at least one projection (15) that istapered from its base onwards, thereby allowing the moulded body to bedisposed, more particularly thrust in or embedded, in a plant substratecontained in a planting container with the projection first,characterized in that at least an effective portion of the projectionconsists of a water-permeable capillary material and/or is internallyprovided with apertures and/or provided with a water-conductingsuperficial layer, thereby allowing an exchange of substances, such asair and water in particular, with the interior of the plant substratethrough the projection in order to enable an improved water and/orfertilizer supply in the interior of the plant substrate andparticularly in the root ball of a plant, in that the projection,starting from the apex (50), is essentially water-impermeable in asubstantial portion (53) thereof, more particularly in about at least aquarter and in at most three quarters, and in that the remaining, upperportion of the projection (48) is water-permeable and/or provided withapertures (54), so that when inserted in plant substrate from above, thewater-impermeable portion acts as a water reservoir for a liquidexchange through the upper portion in order to be able to counteract thedrying-out of the uppermost layer of the plant substrate.
 9. Mouldedbody (46) according to claim 8, characterized in that the projection isexternally and/or internally provided on a substantial lower portion(53) near the apex (50), more particularly on at least approx. aquarter, with a water-impermeable or water-inhibiting envelope (52)and/or coating whilst the remaining upper portion (55) of the projection(48) is water-permeable and/or provided with apertures (54), so that thelower portion (52) forms a reservoir after insertion in a plantsubstrate from above.
 10. Moulded body (46) according to claim 9,characterized in that the envelope (52) and/or the coating extendsessentially over the entire length of the moulded body and is providedin the upper area of the moulded body with apertures or outlets in orderto achieve the water-permeability.
 11. Water conducting device (76) foruse with a moulded body according to one of claims 8 to 10, essentiallyconsisting of a funnel-like filling aid (78) and a duct, which isconnected thereto and is provided with connecting means and with outletsthereon, thereby allowing the device to be attached to moulded bodies(46) by means of the connecting means, and a liquid, more particularlywater, to be conducted by the filling aid to the connected mouldedbodies.
 12. Water conducting device according to claim 11, characterizedin that it is sufficiently resilient to remain connected to the mouldedbodies (46) while the latter are inserted in the plant substrate in aplanting container from above.
 13. Plant cultivating assembly comprisinga planting container (3, 60) for receiving the plant substrate and theplant according to one of claims 14 to 15 and/or at least one mouldedbody (1, 40, 44) according to one of claims 1 to 7 disposed at thebottom of the planting container or below the planting container, theprojection (15, 81) of the moulded body projecting into the interior ofthe planting container in order to ensure a liquid exchange and anaeration inside the planting container by means of the moulded body (1,4, 40).
 14. A planting container (3) having at least one moulded body(81) according to one of claims 1 to 7 formed thereon.
 15. A plantingcontainer (3) at the bottom of which at least one projection (81) of amoulded body according to one of claims 1 to 7 is formed, so that thebottom of the planting container essentially forms the base of such amoulded body.
 16. Plant cultivating assembly according to one of claims13 to 15, characterized in that the height of the projection (15) isequal to ⅕, preferably to at least ¼, and more preferably to no morethan half of the filling height of the planting container (3, 60). 17.Plant cultivating assembly according to one of claims 13 to 16,characterized in that a layer of granular, preferably water-storingmaterial (10), more preferably of granular clay is provided at thebottom of the planting container (3, 60), above which layer an effectiveportion of the projection (15, 81) extends, in order to create awater-storing zone at the bottom of the planting container wherein aliquid exchange between that zone and the plant substrate disposed aboveit is ensured by the projection.
 18. Plant cultivating assemblyaccording to claim 17, characterized in that a trough (7, 20) isdisposed at the bottom of the planting container or underneath thelatter, the upper edge (6) of the trough acting as an overflow whereby amaximum level in a water reservoir at the bottom of the plantingcontainer is predetermined which is lower than the filling height of awater-storing material (10) below the plant substrate in order to avoiddirect contact between the plant substrate and the water.
 19. Plantcultivating assembly according to one of claims 13 to 18 and/orcomprising at least a second moulded body (46) according to one ofclaims 8 to 10, the second moulded body preferably being connected to awater-conducting device according to one of claims 11 to 12.